By Rebecca Eberhardt                                                [slideshow]

About a week into summer break and I was desperate for something to do. So I did the only thing I could  think of: I asked my mom what I could do. Her response was to help her and my sister with taking care of my two nephews when they went to the Louisville Zoo the next day. In other words, play free babysitter. Figuring it had to be better than sitting at home watching movies or listening to music while trying to read my required reading for English, I agreed to go with.

One thing I hadn’t agreed to, though, was getting up before eight so we could get to my sister’s house by eight thirty. Somehow I did and we arrived at the zoo at nine thirty after a few pit stops. Like any teenager, my first reaction to getting there that early was to whine about why we had to be there so early. The animals would have been there no matter what time we showed up so why not wait until later.

Then I found out just how much better it was to get there before anyone else. And when I say before anyone else, I mean we were five of maybe two dozen people tops, exploring the area. Which also leads to my next point, there were literally no lines anywhere in the zoo. Whether it was to buy my ticket or get some lunch, I had zero wait time for whatever it was I wanted. Finally, it was a cool eighty degrees with just enough of a breeze to make it almost seem like it was spring. Only at that time of day during the summer is it ever going to be that perfect out.                                                                                                                                             

Well, it seemed perfect until we actually started walking around. However, with the aid of my most comfortable sneakers and the bottled waters my mom had snuck in with us the walk was bearable along with the heat, as the temperature rose to ninety-five. After a while though, the high temperature was starting to get to everyone, so with a quick look around, we dove into one of the air-conditioned buildings, finding relief from the blistering sun and a strong unidentifiable odor.

The animals were surprisingly active considering the heat. Most were up and roaming around their pens. However, there were a few exceptions, like the jaguar that refused to so much as lazily crack open one of his eyes in acknowledgement of us. But the best exhibits were by far the ones indoors, and not just because of the air-conditioning. It was because of all the games we got to play with the animals. For example, in the penguin exhibit, we were followed by one of the birds as we walked past the enclosure. Of course, Braydon, being a two-year old, took notice and began racing it back and forth for a good five minutes straight. At last we got him away from there and onto staring at other creatures with his big fascinated brown eyes.

The overall experience of the trip was pretty good. It had its low points, the stench of the buildings and the scorching heat. However, the highs of the experience far exceeded anything that put so much as a damper on it. My advice, if you’re an early riser, have to babysit, or are just plain out bored, go to the Louisville Zoo and enjoy yourself.

Zoo Hours
March – Labor Day (Sept. 5th) (Regular Hours)
 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 Exit by 6:00 p.m.
 Summer Evening Hours (June and July only)
 On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
 Exit by 8:00 p.m.

Admission Rates
Adventure Package (Package includes admission, unlimited carousel rides, the ZooTram, and one ticket to the 4D theatre.)
Prices
Adults (12 to 59) – $19.95 per a person
Children (3 to 11) – $16.95 per a person
Seniors discounted rate (60 and over) – $16.95 per a person
General Admission
Adults (12 to 59) – $12.95 per a person
Children (3 to 11) – $9.50 per a person
Children (2 and under) – FREE
Seniors discounted rate (60 and over) – $9.50 per a person

Other Attractions
Zoo Tram
$2.00 for a wristband that allows you to ride all day
$1.00 for one ride from the Rainbow Springs Station up to the hill to the Front Plaza Station.
Carousel
$1.50 for one ride
$10.95 for 9 rides
4D Ride
$5.00 for one ride
$4.00 for one ride if you have a membership
Sky Trail High Adventure Course 

For more information about the Louisville Zoo, visit http://www.louisvillezoo.org/ .